Community TAB Shines a Light for Life four years running
15 November, 2017
Community TAB is supporting Lifeline WA’s Christmas campaign for a fourth year in a row, with a further $25,000 contribution to the not-for-profit organisation.
This contribution brings Community TAB’s total financial support to the organisation to $200,000 which has provided training for more volunteers for their call centre, specifically over the festive season when demand is at its highest.
Lifeline WA and Community TAB are calling on the community to shine their own light for life to raise awareness of loneliness, mental health issues and suicide at Christmas time, and ultimately drive support for Lifeline WA.
People can show their own support by dedicating their Christmas tree or lights to the campaign, donate online or share their Christmas photo on social media using #shinealightforlife.
Elizabeth Quay is also shining bright again this Christmas with Lifeline WA’s Christmas tree which represents all the people who were brave enough to call the 13 11 14 service this year and aims to spread cheer and hope throughout the community
Racing and Wagering WA Chairman Jeff Ovens said Community TAB was committed to making a difference within the local community alongside Lifeline WA.
“Our partnership with Lifeline WA has been a very successful affiliation in the mission to tackle one of the most pressing issues in our community, mental health,” Mr Ovens said.
“The extremely vital service that Lifeline WA provides to the community is something we are very proud to support, and want to continue to raise awareness for along with our fellow Western Australians.
“It costs around $4000 for Lifeline WA to train a new volunteer and we are so proud to know that our contribution over the past four years has gone towards training around 50 more volunteers who answer calls from people who are in need, lonely or at imminent risk.”
Lifeline WA Chief Executive Officer Lorna MacGregor said the demand for Lifeline WA’s services was continually increasing and the charity needed extra funding to meet the demand.
“Our 13 11 14 crisis support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year including Christmas day which is one of the busiest days of the year,” Ms MacGregor said.
”A key focus of the campaign is to encourage people to reach out and seek help. By Community TAB and the broader community supporting the campaign we can ensure that we will be there when Western Australians need us most”
It costs $25 to fund one crisis support call to 13 11 14 and contributions to the campaign will directly support Lifeline WA to expand its crisis support services and train more volunteers so that Lifeline WA can answer every call.
You can help to shine a light on suicide by donating to the Lights for Lifeline campaign: lifelinewa.org.au.